At last Friday’s Evening with Teddy Roosevelt, hosted by the Indian River Historical Society, the portrayal by historian Joe Wiegand was so convincing, the character of our 26th President seemed to truly come to life. Wiegand’s depiction of Roosevelt took place in front of roughly 400 people at the Sebastian River High School’s Performing Arts Center.
Wiegand was in town to depict Roosevelt at the annual Pelican Island Festival the next day, commemorating Teddy’s establishment of Pelican Island as the first National Wildlife Refuge. IRHS board member Rich Votapka, who portrays Fellsmere founder Marion Fell at various events, including the Pelican Island Festival, had arranged for this additional Roosevelt sighting.
Board president David Foster had seen Wiegand’s performance at the festival and knew he would be ideal for a Historical Society event.
“This guy doesn’t just impersonate Teddy Roosevelt, he really is Roosevelt,” said Foster enthusiastically.
Wiegand stayed in character before the performance as well, talking with guests at a dinner in the school’s Sharky’s Cafe. Never once breaking character, Wiegand visited each table of guests, dispensing charm and historical tidbits as a Teddy Roosevelt in the 21st Century.
At one table, Wiegand stopped to chat with student Ray Porter, a high school junior at SRHS and a member of the ROTC. Porter told Wiegand he was trying to decide between being an electrician and joining the military.
“Bully for you! You know if you join the military they can train you as an electrician,” Wiegand advised, before recommending and writing down the title of pertinent reading material for Porter.
After Porter said he was torn between the Army and the Navy, Wiegand immediately quipped, “Well, I was in the Army for a short time in the Spanish-American War but my heart was in the Navy!”
During a conversation with Ben Taggie, a history professor at the University of Massachusetts, Taggie asked Wiegand what he thought about the PBS 14-hour documentary The Roosevelts, by Ken Burns.
“I watched it up to the third episode when I died. After that I sort of lost interest,” he said to laughter from the crowd.
Wiegand spoke humorously all through the evening, sharing fascinating details of Roosevelt’s life, both on the professional and personal side.
“What this evening really does is help people understand a President’s life before and after the presidency,” said Wiegand. “I am trying to convey a good spirit but also relay a sense of duty to those listening.”
Wiegand has performed as Roosevelt before President George W. and Laura Bush, as well as several governors, senators and congressman. He also hosted (as Teddy) a panel of six retired chiefs of the U.S. Forest Service, which began in 1905 during Roosevelt’s administration.
“I come from a background of political public service but my most important VIPs are America’s school children, for with them abides our hope for the future of the republic!” he said.
